Testimonials

“The CCSN is a first-rate organization that I have been privileged to be part of for several years. My involvement with the CCSN began by watching timely webinars on some of the most important communication topics relating to society and higher education. More recently I have been blessed with multiple opportunities to enhance my scholarship and connection to peers. From attending and participating in the summer workshops, writing a book review for the Journal of Christian Teaching Practice, writing an essay for publication in a book from Integratio Press, and now working on my first book for publication. I cannot speak highly enough of the great work being performed by CCSN and the impact it has had on my professional development as a Christian scholar working in the Academy.”
—Nick Pertler, PhD, Assistant Provost for Academic Studies, Point Loma Nazarene University

“The CCSN has become a major force around the globe, equipping Christian students and faculty to boldly and faithfully transform higher education with faith and wisdom in challenging times.”
—Quentin Schultze, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Communication, Calvin University

“From preaching to protest, from the “still, small voice” to the incarnate Word, communication has always been central to the Christian faith. No organization understands this as well as the CCSN. Their work connects scholars, clergy, and leaders, equipping them to interpret and transform culture. As someone who teaches in a religious studies department, the CCSN has been a vital lifeline to other disciplines and conversations. I’m grateful to the CCSN for facilitating conversations that cross boundaries within the academy and boundaries between the academy and the broader world.”
—Russell Johnson, PhD, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Religious Studies Program and Core Sequence, University of Chicago, Divinity School

“CCSN is a ministry that beautifully supports my own through its publishing platform, workshop and webinar offerings, and community of welcoming individuals dedicated to following Christ in their vocations.  When I entered academia with a primary focus on teaching communication within a Christian university, I was a new fish in a big pond with few connections.  Finding CCSN gave me almost immediate access to a wealth of information and established professors that could support my teaching and faith-integration endeavors.  I have been extremely blessed through the CCSN.”
—Kate Mead, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication, East Texas Baptist University

What makes The Wisdom Initiative so exciting is its timely vision and comprehensive approach. Breadth and community are what set this campaign apart. It can be quite solitary once you step outside of higher education. Law and the criminal justice system, like many others, espouse civility but infrequently demand it. Having the insight and support of those committed to Christianity and communication provides the boldness to practice with respect and courtesy. Transforming our communities begins with the influence of one person. Service and leadership have never been more needed. I am thrilled to support CCSN and The Wisdom Initiative.
—Tabitha Anderson, JD, DSL, Attorney at Law, Commonwealth of Virginia

“From its small start to its current robust execution, the CCSN has promoted my research and progression as a professor scholar. This has taken the form of requests for chapters, articles, speaking engagements, book publishing, and networking with Christian communication colleagues across North America, and to influence, and be influenced, by this wonderful community. Moreover, the CCSN encourages dialogue between Christian scholars and the increasingly secular academy that has lost its way spiritually by making real and credible the gospel-centered view of God’s activity in people and culture. My hope is that the vision, mission, and activities of the CCSN will continue to be a guiding authority of grace and principle for communication studies, professors, students, and leaders for decades, and that’s its legacy will bring glory to God.”
—Bill Strom, PhD, Professor of Media + Communication, Trinity Western University

“From its inception, the CCSN has provided opportunities for learning and involvement for anyone interested in the study of communication from a faith-based perspective. Over the past several years, I have been invited to submit papers, participate in webinars, workshops, podcasts, publish articles, serve on an advisory board, and write reviews. The CCSN allows me to maintain my professional development without the expense of traveling to conferences and conventions. Kudos to the CCSN’s tireless efforts to grow, expand, and develop the website!  May the Lord continue to bless you and others through the CCSN!”
—Bill Mullen, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Communication Studies, Shorter University

“It has been a privilege to work with Integratio Press throughout the book publishing process. CCSN’s commitment both to high-level communication scholarship and to standing in the gap between the Kingdom and the Academy has been apparent to me in both process and product. They are uniquely positioned to create and offer much-needed resources to Christian faculty. What a blessing!”
—Abe Book, PhD, Assistant Professor, Southeast Missouri State University

“As a full time Church Communicator, my involvement with CCSN has been incredibly beneficial. The resources and professional development opportunities provided have significantly enhanced my skills and broadened my perspective. Through workshops and webinars, I’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools that have improved my communication strategies within the church. The CCSN’s commitment to integrating a gospel-centered worldview into communication studies is inspiring, and I am confident that their work will have lasting positive effects on Christian higher education. I’m proud to support the “Rebuilding the Walls” campaign and its mission to restore biblical truth in higher education.”
—Garrett Gerhardt, Creative Director/Communications Director, Life Bible Fellowship Church, Brea, California

“The first thing I did when I landed a teaching position was reach out to the CCSN. Initially, I thought it would be a resource to help plan classes, but over the years it has become a citadel of connections and content. Every month I speak with a mentor who uplifts and encourages me in my craft. Every summer, I attend thematic seminars to learn from other academicians. Every year I read and review works that challenge me. By rebuilding walls, a community designates its city-center. Jesus Christ is at the center of the CCSN and this work must continue!”
—Lance Croy, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Arts, Providence Christian College

“I am among the generation of Christian scholars who are retiring, cutting back on conventions, passing leadership to others. For us, is there still a calling to mentor, help, and encourage, and a way to do that effectively?   CCSN builds relationships between generations and across research interests, campuses and contexts, building the bonds of community. In the difficult whirl of publishing and tenure, CCSN promotes mutuality, shared vision, and faith — gifts to all of us and responsibilities we all understand. Thank you, CCSN leadership  and membership.”
—Mark Fackler, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Communication, Calvin University

“CCSN is a breath of revival to my academic experience. Through CCSN, I have more fully integrated the communication discipline and commitment to the Christian faith.  CCSN has provided ways for me to share about the intersection of communication and Christianity important in my life as a contributor writing devotions, reviewing books for the journal, and being a webinar panelist. But even more I have benefited from the community of scholars in both Christian and secular institutions across the country who share their own faithful work. The colleagues found in CCSN are most valued and make the academic life a much richer place to be.”
—Donna Elkins, PhD, Assoc. Vice President for Regional Administration, Campbellsville University

“The CCSN has been an immense help to me as a Christian scholar. When I entered the academic world, I was unsure of my place in it. The CCSN made me aware of a whole community of Christian scholarship I thought couldn’t exist. Workshops on topics like artificial intelligence, political polarization in the church, and many others have helped me grow as a scholar. More importantly, the CCSN has shown me a vision of what Christian scholarship looks like in the communication discipline, for which I am deeply grateful.”
— David Dockery, PhD Candidate, Texas A & M University

“The Christianity and Communication Studies Network has provided valuable opportunities for collaboration, learning and connection that have enriched my teaching, research and service as a Christian communication scholar.”
—Elizabeth Jones, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Communication Arts, Asbury University

“The goal of integrating the Christian worldview in teaching and research can be challenging as influencers outside the faith levy criticism and challenge foundational biblical values and principles. During my over 40 years of ministry in higher education, there have been times when I have felt like the lonely prophet crying out in the academic wilderness, advocating a Christian worldview in my teaching and research. Often my contributions have fallen on deaf ears, accused of being invalid and less academic and less important than other approaches. This is why the CCSN’s mission is so very important. To use an analogy, a single toothpick can easily be broken in two. But when several toothpicks are grouped together, single toothpicks are strengthened and it is more difficult to break them. Through the CCSN community, I have received personal encouragement to persevere and thrive as an educator and researcher. CCSN is an invaluable resource for Christian educators, providing resources that meet a high standard of academic rigor combined with a unyielding dedication to the principles of the faith.”
—Cecil Kramer, D-min, Professor of Strategic & Personal Communication, Liberty University

“As a professor of higher education in both public, private, faith-based, and secular institutions, I highly value the contributions the CCSN has made to incorporating a gospel-centered worldview into public discourse. Wherever I am working in higher education, I appreciate knowing that this scholarly, highly respected, and easily accessible organization continues to present a robust argument for a Christian worldview. Most essential to me has been CCSN’s professional development through workshops and seminars. I know of no other organization with the resources and expertise to provide educational researchers and practitioners with the knowledge and skills essential to make a difference in today’s cultural climate.”
— Rev. Terri Cornwell, PhD, Virginia University of Lynchburg

“Support for junior scholars is not always easy to find.  Newly graduated PhDs often struggle through early years trying to take the right steps in the classroom and in publishing.  The Christianity and Communication Studies Network has taken major steps to address this gap, offering webinars, podcasts, workshops, publishing, and networking opportunities to those in the field of Communication.  CCSN has broadened the scope of scholarship for many, providing the encouragement needed to succeed in the academy.  One of the best things about this Christ-focused mission is the strong emphasis on collaboration and belief in working together instead of working in competition.   Part of the Network since its inception, I have watched the careful, steady efforts of its leadership morph from ideas and dreams to the fruitful emergence of a community that beautifully blends research, publishing, and fellowship.  Being a part of the CCSN has renewed my hope that together we can provide a legacy of lasting encouragement for Communication scholars, students, faculty, and professionals.”
—Stephanie Bennett, PhD, Professor of Communication and Media Ecology, Palm Beach Atlantic University

“The editors at Integratio press were instrumental in getting my book prepared to appeal to the widest audience possible. Their attention to detail made all the difference in the world in completing the book. I have also participated in and benefitted enormously from CCSN professional development opportunities. The workshops have provided even an old veteran teacher like me, several new ideas and activities to use in my classroom. I wish I had a resource like CCSN years ago when I was getting started in my career. CCSN is establishing itself as the premier faith-based academic communication organization to study the integration of faith and learning. Their vision for reaching the broadest audience possible, both academic and non-academic, is matched by none.”
—Kevin T. Jones, PhD, Professor and Director, Communication Studies Program, George Fox University

“Finding the CCSN community and resources has helped me with course design, faith integration approaches, and the gift of a committed core of Christian faculty focused on scholarship, teaching, and service. The webinars offer a fresh perspective on a variety of topics from subject matter experts who are well experienced and generous in sharing their wisdom.  Most recently, I found the review process for a submission to the Journal of Christian Teaching Practice to be both encouraging and transformative – a truly exemplary model of Christian coaching at its best.  I’m honored to be a member.”
—Julie Borkin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication, Taylor University

“The CCSN has been essential to my development as a Christian scholar. My colleagues there encouraged me to reimagine our discipline as one founded, first and foremost, on the Word of God.”
—Andrew Harris, PhD, Associate Professor of Communication, Cedarville University

“As someone who has published with Ingratio Press, led a webinar, written a book review, and been a part of conferences and workshops, I have found the leadership of CCSN to be invaluable. Colleagues in other departments long for the kind of community and Christian intellectual engagement that we in Communication and affiliated areas have because of CCSN. I have friends at a variety of institutions who act as thought partners, resource providers, and general encouragers. We are linked together by CCSN. It calls us to excellence. It challenges our thinking. It reminds us of the faith that clarifies our callings.”
—Annalee Ward, PhD, Director Emerita, Wendt Character Initiative, University of Dubuque

“When I transitioned from full-time teaching into “retirement,” CCSN provided an ideal venue for me to continue using my expertise and widen its impact. As a summer workshop facilitator and an editor for CCSN’s publications, I’ve had the privilege of guiding younger or less-published faculty in their efforts to make Christ-informed contributions to higher education and the Church. Not only do CCSN’s online columns enable Christian scholars to share nuggets of wisdom with busy people, but Integratio Press offers them wide-open doors to publish important work that larger Christian book publishers may not give the time of day. As it promotes Christ-centered communication, this unique ministry is creating transformative connections across higher education and the Church.”
—John Hatch, PhD, Eastern University (retired), CCSN Senior Fellow